Gluten

Question
Dr
I am a 52 year old male.
I recently discoverd the symptoms of gluten intolerance, most of which match mine.I do not have diarhea, which is a major celiac symptom, although I do feel unsettled so to speak.
I have always had a big distended belly, even as a child. Now it is so big it is uncomfortable. I know how a pregnant lady feels. There is very little fat to pinch on it and in fact you can see my 'abs'.
My other symptoms in order of importance are:
-acid reflux
-nausea
-general aches and pains
-inability to lose weight
-a rash on my neck and jock itch
-A.D.H.D.)(was diagnosed bt a specialist)
-minor depression
-easy bruising
-night blindness
On my latest physical my doctor tested for celiac but it came back negative. He suggested I cut down on high glycemic carbs, fats. My symptoms always improved when I avoided carbohydrates as I did low carb dieting in the past. My wife suggested I try gluten free bread. After a month my belly had shrunk two belt notches, and I could fit jeans I hadnt worn in years- although my weight was the same.The other issues also improved.
I went back to the regular bread and the abdominal distension returned with a vengeance.
Does this sound like gluten intolerance to you? Thanks

Answer
Hi

I am not a medical doctor - I am a PhD in Biology, but from my own experieince it sure does sound like a gluten intolerance issue as far as the bloating and a few other symptoms.

I had many of the very same problem, which alleviated when I switched to a gluten-free diet. I had never been gluten-intolerant (that I know of) until I was a bit older than you, but apparently it is not unusual for some folks to develop gluten intolerance with age.

Your weight loss is far more likely due to you swith to low-glycemic carbs.  I have a website dedicated to Low Glycemic Foods - http://www.low-glycemic-foods.org

You may want to read through some of that material.  My page on "Best Food Choices" gives a list of what I consider the top ten carbohydrate sources for those on a low glycemic diet, and notes the ones with gluten.

Bob's Red Mill sells gluten-free rolled oats, which are an excellent source of low glycemic carbs and other nutrients.  I put 1/3 cup in a LARGE bowl (it needs it), add 2/3 cup of water and nuke it in the microwave for 2 minutes.  Add 1/3 cup of frozen blueberries and a packet of splenda and you have great breakfast carb solution or snack. You shopuld ALWAYS eat some protein whenever you eat carbs.

Good Luck

Bill

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